National Marine Park - Plymouth

The article does not describe what a National Marine Park is. Without fully understand what that is, clearly not an area to go walking and climbing in like Dartmoor, then comment is hopeless. Says man with his boat in Plymouth.
 
Oh I like a good debate on marine Parks:D
It seems that they are completely different from conservation zones although still not much info , I do believe it will also include the coastline and the sea around the Plymouth area bringing education and tourism to the area , which could release state funding, more likely looking at the national parks on land and creating a blue print.
This could boost tourism and create an opportunity for the area , how this will affect leisure boaters is not discussed , but a National park is to bring people to an area not to restrict them.
https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/2018/07/05/marine-parks-would-benefit-uk-waters-report-finds/
 
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"This could boost tourism and create an opportunity for the area....."

Whereas to me, taken in the round, all things considered and listening to what the good politico has to say. It sounds like more committees and jobs for the boys
 
doug748 said:
"This could boost tourism and create an opportunity for the area....."

Whereas to me, taken in the round, all things considered and listening to what the good politico has to say. It sounds like more committees and jobs for the boys
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Yes there is always a Quango waiting to spring up , but I think overall National parks around the UK have done wonders for tourism ,the Environment and pride in the area , if handled correctly and managed well, i,e bring in people that have looked after National parks , and get the public on bard I think its a winner.
It is something that Plymouth can be proud of.
It must be noted that there is not mention of conservation zones so I would expect no real issues with boats and leisure craft.
 
There's no legislative framework round this specific proposal that I can find,and its certainly not part of the MCZ programme. However, the MCAA 2009 under which the current MCZ programme was created contains most of what would be needed to set up Marine Parks. With Michael Gove in the hot seat, it could move quite quickly. However all may Change next week...

Different Country, different legislation, but I guess they are modelling it on something similar to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off Australia, which is very tightly controlled, but which does seem to work for most people, mainly because most people can see the need to protect this unique feature.

If its done sympathetically, and any new MP Authority chooses to work with and alongside boating interests rather than just making it another 'Conservation project' with 'experts' trying to tell us what we can and cant do without any reference to the people directly affected by it, or to the obvious flaws in their arguments, then this could succeed where the MCZ process has failed. Our NP Authorities have their critics too, but they have done a pretty good PR job, and living on the edge of the new South Downs NP, I think most people broadly agree with their aims. If they can set up an MP with sensitivity to those who live, work and rest there then they could be very successful

But unfortunately there are a number of career conservationists wanting to make their name riding on such ventures, including one well know to us here on the forums, who has considerable interest in this area too and will settle for nothing less than chucking the boats out. So we will see.
 
oldharry said:
There's no legislative framework round this specific proposal that I can find,and its certainly not part of the MCZ programme. However, the MCAA 2009 under which the current MCZ programme was created contains most of what would be needed to set up Marine Parks. With Michael Gove in the hot seat, it could move quite quickly. However all may Change next week...

Different Country, different legislation, but I guess they are modelling it on something similar to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off Australia, which is very tightly controlled, but which does seem to work for most people, mainly because most people can see the need to protect this unique feature.

If its done sympathetically, and any new MP Authority chooses to work with and alongside boating interests rather than just making it another 'Conservation project' with 'experts' trying to tell us what we can and cant do without any reference to the people directly affected by it, or to the obvious flaws in their arguments, then this could succeed where the MCZ process has failed. Our NP Authorities have their critics too, but they have done a pretty good PR job, and living on the edge of the new South Downs NP, I think most people broadly agree with their aims. If they can set up an MP with sensitivity to those who live, work and rest there then they could be very successful

But unfortunately there are a number of career conservationists wanting to make their name riding on such ventures, including one well know to us here on the forums, who has considerable interest in this area too and will settle for nothing less than chucking the boats out. So we will see.
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A well balanced argument Sir. I do believe that NPs do have everyone's interests at heart , and conservation in these places (Scotland ) is always sympathetic to the public , but our access rights are pretty strong up here.
Yes there are some fanatical environmentalists , that have no idea of balance , which is key for all parties, including boaters
 
Well the idea makes my heart sink, having seen other ' Career Conservationist ' fiasco's.

What exactly would a Marine Park do for Plymouth that isn't already there then - make the hills a tad greener, the Sound a bit bluer ?

National Parks as far as I am aware are keen on day visitors but no camping, so what would Plymouth get - more slipways, waterside camp sites, car parks ? - Seems unlikely given the scarcity and cost of anything by the water.

So apart from regulation by self appointed ' experts ' what is the ' bonus ' ?
 
Seajet said:
Well the idea makes my heart sink, having seen other ' Career Conservationist ' fiasco's.

What exactly would a Marine Park do for Plymouth that isn't already there then - make the hills a tad greener, the Sound a bit bluer ?

National Parks as far as I am aware are keen on day visitors but no camping, so what would Plymouth get - more slipways, waterside camp sites, car parks ? - Seems unlikely given the scarcity and cost of anything by the water.

So apart from regulation by self appointed ' experts ' what is the ' bonus ' ?
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Yes, as it is difficult to compare like for like, as there is no comparison in the UK.
Scotland has the same issue in regards to anther national park and this link takes you to a very interesting look at what this might mean and might help people understand the pros and cons.
http://www.scnp.org.uk/News/Docs/2016/SCNP-Report 3-Tourism-and-The-Economy.pdf
 
Yes I can understand that working for Scotland, and say the Lake District; though that has not always gone smoothly, especially for residents suddenly finding their homes' glazing for instance or perhaps themselves ' not pictaresque enough '.

But Plymouth is already a well established tourist destination, by land and sea; if there's the tiniest gap in the market from the tiniest burger van through guest houses, marinas, to the grandest hotel, it has already been filled.

All I can imagine with a Marine Park is " You can't use THAT boat with THAT outboard here "

" That's not a fishing rod you've got there is it ? "

And so on.

I'm quite sure the tourist board do their utmost to promote a beautiful place steeped in history, so I fail to see how a new label will attract more visitors and / or employment, except the aforementioned quango's and their enforcers.
 
Seajet said:
Yes I can understand that working for Scotland, and say the Lake District; though that has not always gone smoothly, especially for residents suddenly finding their homes' glazing for instance or perhaps themselves ' not pictaresque enough '.

But Plymouth is already a well established tourist destination, by land and sea; if there's the tiniest gap in the market from the tiniest burger van through guest houses, marinas, to the grandest hotel, it has already been filled.

All I can imagine with a Marine Park is " You can't use THAT boat with THAT outboard here "

" That's not a fishing rod you've got there is it ? "

And so on.

I'm quite sure the tourist board do their utmost to promote a beautiful place steeped in history, so I fail to see how a new label will attract more visitors and / or employment, except the aforementioned quango's and their enforcers.
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Fair point I am not familiar with the area in such of its economic output and tourist abilities , If they are doing a good job then why interfere.
I can see the worry for residents that end up with just more red tape and forms to fill in, which is our gift to the world:rolleyes:
 
Seajet said:
Yes I can understand that working for Scotland, and say the Lake District; though that has not always gone smoothly, especially for residents suddenly finding their homes' glazing for instance or perhaps themselves ' not pictaresque enough '.

But Plymouth is already a well established tourist destination, by land and sea; if there's the tiniest gap in the market from the tiniest burger van through guest houses, marinas, to the grandest hotel, it has already been filled.

All I can imagine with a Marine Park is " You can't use THAT boat with THAT outboard here "

" That's not a fishing rod you've got there is it ? "
And so on.
I'm quite sure the tourist board do their utmost to promote a beautiful place steeped in history, so I fail to see how a new label will attract more visitors and / or employment, except the aforementioned quango's and their enforcers.
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There are huge gaps in provision all round the Sound and areas.. The only problem is a mantra that benefit of the public good is served when empty land stays empty and no one uses it or goes near it. Which means there is a shortage of local opportunity so that people have to fly abroad for holidays etc... and we all know flying is the most environmentally friendly form of transport.
 
If it's anything to do with Plymouth City Council, beware, they seem to think they own Plymouth and the people in it, Mein Kampf seems to be the training manual for Council leaders.
 
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